Key Points

Identity

• The term polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) refers to a group of several hundred chemically-related environmentally persistent organic compounds of various structures and varied toxicity
• Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is commonly used as an indicator species for PAH contamination and most of the available data refer to this compound

Fire

• May react violently with oxidising agents
• Emits toxic and irritating fumes on decomposition
• In the event of fire involving PAHs, use fine water spray and liquid tight chemical protective equipment

Health

• Toxic by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption
• Carcinogen, mutagen and reproductive toxin
• Long-term inhalation can cause a decrease in lung function, chest pain and irritation
• Long-term skin contact can cause dermatitis and warts
• BaP is thought to probably cause lung and skin cancer in humans

Environment

• Environmentally hazardous substance
• Inform Environment Agency of substantial incidents

All sections are available to download in PDF format below:

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - Full Document (PDF, 151 KB)
• General Information (PDF, 48 KB)
• Incident Management (PDF, 87 KB)
• Toxicological Overview (PDF, 48 KB)